Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2015 were $270 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $257 million during the comparable quarter in 2014. Consolidated net sales for the nine month period ended Sept. 30, 2015, were $767 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $762.3 million during the comparable period in 2014.

Earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2015 were $19.2 million compared to $17.8 million in the third quarter of 2014. Excluding non-operational gains and losses, earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2015 were $18.4 million compared to $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2014.

Earnings from continuing operations for the nine month period ended Sept. 30, 2015, were $42.3 million compared to $41.4 million in the comparable period of 2014. The nine month period ended Sept. 30, 2014, included a one-time, non-recurring litigation charge. Excluding the litigation charge and other non-operational gains and losses, after-tax earnings from continuing operations for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015, and 2014 were $41.3 million and $47.2 million, respectively.

Lawrence Sills, Standard Motor Products’ chairman and chief executive officer, says, “We are pleased with our third quarter results. Net sales exceeded the third quarter of 2014 by 5.1% and we are now slightly ahead of 2014 for the nine month period.

“Engine Management net sales were up 3.8% for the quarter, but remain slightly behind 2014 year to date, primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates and the one-time return for inspection of diesel fuel injectors, which occurred earlier in the year. Our customers continue to report, on average, sales increases in the low to mid-single digit range on Engine Management, in line with our expectations.

“Temperature Control benefited from the first warm summer in three years. Net sales were 10.3% ahead of 2014 for the quarter and are now ahead 4.2% for the year. Our customers are reporting somewhat larger sales increases than this, as they work down inventories carried over from the prior weak seasons. We anticipate that this will be a benefit to us heading into 2016.

“Non-GAAP operating income was ahead 4.3% for the quarter, but we remain roughly $12 million behind 2014 for nine months. The majority of this shortfall — approximately $9-10 million and disclosed in prior releases — consists of the carry forward of 2014 unfavorable manufacturing variances in Temperature Control; the cost of upgrading and enhancing our line of diesel fuel injectors; and an unfavorable non-cash change in prior service costs related to elimination of our postretirement medical program in 2016. Except for the unfavorable postretirement medical change, these costs are fully behind us.”

Sills noted a word of caution regarding fourth quarter comparisons. “Our fourth quarter of 2014 benefited from two fairly large pipeline orders for Engine Management which are unlikely to be repeated this year. Thus, fourth quarter sales comparisons will be challenging. These events, which occur from time to time, can create quarter by quarter distortions and are not indicative of long-term results.”